Continuing Education Opportunities Research Articles

The elephant in the room (and how to lead it out): In-clinic laboratory quality challenges.

Over 30 yr of technological evolution have resulted in sophisticated instrumentation for in-clinic laboratories, yet there is no regulatory oversight of diagnostic testing quality. Long overdue, the veterinary profession must address quality assurance (QA) of diagnostic testing. Each practice must weigh the responsibility for laboratory instrumentation test results that are often a combination of in-clinic and send-out testing. Challenges faced by clinic staff maintaining in-clinic laboratories include lack of training in QA and quality control (QC), lack of emphasis placed on QA/QC by instrument suppliers, QC financial and time costs, and a general lack of laboratory QA/QC support resources in the veterinary community. Possible solutions include increased continuing education opportunities and the provision of guidelines and other resources by national veterinary organizations; specialty certification of veterinary technicians; an increasing role of veterinary clinical pathologists as QA/QC consultants; and development of external quality assessment programs aimed at veterinary practices. The potential exists for animal health companies to lead in this effort by innovating instrument design, providing QC services, and exploiting instrument connectivity to monitor performance. Veterinary laboratory QA/QC is a neglected aspect of the profession. In coming years, veterinarians will hopefully find increased support for this core practice component.

Comparison of pharmacist knowledge, perceptions and training opportunities regarding maternal-fetal medicine in Canada, Qatar and Uganda.

Although pharmacists have great potential to modify and optimize drug therapy in pregnancy and lactation, current literature demonstrates that they do not routinely provide this care and often feel ill equipped to do so. The objective of this study was to determine pharmacists' knowledge and perceptions of maternal-fetal medicine in Canada, Uganda and Qatar. Secondary objectives were to determine factors associated with pharmacists' knowledge and to characterize training opportunities and resources available to practising pharmacists. A cross-sectional survey using online software (SurveyMonkey) was sent to the e-mails of potential research participants. Practising pharmacists and resident pharmacists in British Columbia, Canada; the country of Qatar; and the country of Uganda were eligible for inclusion. The survey was designed to assess knowledge and perceptions, and to create a baseline inventory of current practice and information resources used in practice. The mean knowledge assessment scores of pharmacists in Canada, Qatar and Uganda were 62.9%, 53.3%, and 57.7%, respectively (p < 0.05). Pharmacists in British Columbia scored higher on knowledge assessment than pharmacists in Qatar (p < 0.05), but other country comparisons were not significant. No predefined factors (gender, years of experience, practice area or parental status) were found to be significant in determining the knowledge score. More than two-thirds of pharmacists expressed interest in participating in continuing education opportunities in maternal-fetal medicine. Pharmacists have differing levels of knowledge in the area of maternal-fetal medicine. Continuing education and degree curricula should be reviewed and developed to fill the knowledge gaps of student pharmacists and practising pharmacists in maternal-fetal medicine.

Awareness of the scope and practice of forensic dentistry among dental practitioners

Forensic dentistry (FD) is a branch of dentistry that involves the presentation of dental evidence for the enforcement of justice. Knowledge of FD is required for dentists involved in injury and abuse cases, particularly to ensure the proper recording of findings and maintenance of dental records. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of dental practitioners regarding the scope and practice of FD. A total of 248 dentists completed a self-administered questionnaire, and practitioners rated their level of knowledge for each item on a scale of 0–10. Most scores ranged from 4.13–4.91. While 44% of dentists reported maintenance of dental records forever, 25.8% reported maintaining dental records for a specific period. Recording of treatment progress was performed by 54%. Up to 42.9% had not received FD instruction during undergraduate study, and more than 95% did not attend post-graduate training or continuing education in FD. About 60% were interested in receiving training in the detection and management of abuse and FD. In conclusion, the inadequate awareness of the scope and practice of FD among practising dentists in Saudi Arabia suggests that FD education be included in undergraduate dental education, and continuing education opportunities should be available.

The European educational platform on thoracic surgery.

As the largest scientific organisation world-wide exclusively dedicated to general thoracic surgery (GTS), the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) recognized that one of its priorities is education. The educational platform designed ESTS addresses not only trainees, but also confirmed thoracic surgeons. The two main aims are (I) to prepare trainees to graduation and to the certification by the European Board of Thoracic Surgery and (II) to offer opportunities for continuous medical education in the perspective of life-long learning and continuous professional development to certified thoracic surgeons. It is likely that recertification will become an obligation during the coming decade. At its inception, the platform differentiated two different events. A 6-day course emphasizing on theoretic knowledge was created in Antalya in 2007. The same year, a 2-day school oriented to practical issues with hands-on in the animal lab was launched in Antalya. These two teaching tracks need further development. In the knowledge track, we intend to organize highly specialized 2-day courses to deepen insight into theoretical questions. The skill track will be implemented by specialized courses for high technology such as tracheal surgery, ECMO, robotics or chest wall reconstruction. In order to promote tomorrows' leadership, we created an academic competence track giving an insight into medical communication, methodology and management. We also had to respond to an increasing demand from the Russian speaking countries, where colleagues may face problems to attend western meetings, and where the language bareer may be a major impediment. We initiated a Russian school with three events yearly in 2012. Contemporary teaching must be completed with an e-learning platform, which is currently under development. The school activities are organized by the educational committee, which is headed by the ESTS Director of Education, assisted by coordinators of the teaching tracks and e-learning platform. Ongoing discussions concern development of contemporary teaching techniques and measure of outcome. The major challenge for the coming years is harmonisation of training and certification in thoracic surgery in the European space.

Attitude and awareness of dentist towards resin bonded bridges in Saudi Arabia.

Resin bonded bridges (RBBs) offer a conservative approach to tooth replacement. However, the use of this treatment option has been limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of dentists in Saudi Arabia, including general dental practitioners (GDPs) and prosthodontic and restorative specialists (SPs), toward RBBs. In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires designed to survey knowledge of RBB performance factors were distributed to GDPs and SPs (n=400). Specifically, opinions of GDPs and SPs regarding clinical, mechanical, technique- and patient-dependent performance factors of RBBs were obtained. Average significance and Chi-square tests were used to identify the frequency, pattern, and significance of the response variables identified. A majority (65.3%) of the subjects reported using RBBs in less than 10% of their prosthodontic cases. The most common reason for the limited clinical application of RBBs was perceived poor retention (23.45%). In addition, SPs regarded the influence of enamel structure, number of pontics, cement type, RBB design, and surface treatment as "very significant" factors with respect to RBB survival. Overall, a statistically significant difference was observed between the responses of GDPs and SPs regarding their knowledge of performance factors for RBBs. In comparison to SPs, GDPs reported greater disagreement with current standards for RBB success factors. Moreover, 60% of SPs and 71% of GDPs used RBBs for less than 10% of their prosthodontic cases. Therefore, continuing education opportunities are needed for practicing dentists, and undergraduate students need to receive greater exposure to the clinical application of RBBs.

Initial investigation of dietitian perception of plant-based protein quality.

Interest in plant-based diets is increasing, evidenced by scientific and regulatory recommendations, including Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Dietitians provide guidance in dietary protein selection but little is known about how familiar dietitians are with the quality of plant versus animal proteins or methods for measuring protein quality. Likewise, there is a need to explore their beliefs related to dietary recommendations. The aim of this study was to assess dietitians' perceptions of plant-based protein quality and to determine if these are affected by demographic factors such as age and dietary practice group (DPG) membership. This was a cross-sectional design using an online survey. The survey was sent to all members of the Missouri Dietetic Association. All completed surveys (136) were analyzed. The main outcome measures were responses to belief and knowledge questions about the protein quality of plant-based diets, along with demographic information including age and DPG membership. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were determined, and chi-square analysis was used to determine the associations between belief and knowledge responses and demographic characteristics. Responses to belief statements suggested a high level of support for plant-based diets. No associations were found between any of the belief questions and demographic factors. A majority of respondents were not familiar with protein quality determination methods that are currently recognized by global regulatory and advisory agencies. Potential barriers identified in shifting to a more plant-based diet were lack of interest and perceived difficulty. Knowledge among dietitians of plant-based protein quality in general, and methods of protein quality measurement more specifically, needs to be addressed to enhance their knowledge base for making dietary protein recommendations. Two potential avenues for training are university curricula and continuing education opportunities provided to practitioners who provide dietary advice.

Understanding the Psychosocial Knowledge and Attitudes of School-Based Occupational Therapists

School-based occupational therapists feel ill-equipped to intervene with children who have emotional disturbance. In order to understand school-based occupational therapists’ psychosocial knowledge and attitudes, this mixed-methods study employed a phenomenological interview approach (N = 11) and a quantitative survey instrument (N = 630). Findings suggest that therapists do have child psychosocial knowledge but struggle to integrate this knowledge into practice. Commitment to holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered practice enables therapists to deal with the challenges of working with children with emotional disturbance. A reevaluation of academic curriculums and continuing education opportunities to ensure inclusion of child psychosocial knowledge is needed.

Introduction: highlighting international librarianship.

An international meeting with its richness and diversity of topics and authors often magnifies the breadth and depth of the meeting experience. This seemed readily apparent at “One Health: Information in an Interdependent World,” held in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 3–8, 2013, which attracted more than 2,700 attendees from 41 countries, 190 papers, and 287 posters 1. One Health used the framework of the 113th Medical Library Association (MLA) Annual Meeting and Exposition to anchor 3 international conferences and provide a unique federated meeting experience including joint plenary sessions, continuing education opportunities, and the usual extensive MLA topical section programming. The meeting also retained the unique identity of the international collaborators through topical meeting tracks and responsibility for track programming. The framework allowed the participating international conferences to focus on programming and promoting the meeting for their constituencies and to participate in selecting One Health plenary speakers. One Health included 3 international concurrent conferences: the 11th International Congress on Medical Librarianship (ICML), the 7th International Conference of Animal Health Information Specialists (ICAHIS), and the 6th International Clinical Librarian Conference (ICLC). The international conference entities are not organizations with dues-paying members such as MLA, but represent communities of interest capable of supporting and sustaining international conferences that have included the first ICML in London in 1953, the first ICLC conference (called the first UK Clinical Librarian Conference) in 2002, and the first ICAHIS conference in Reading, United Kingdom, in 1992. ICML is officially sponsored by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Health and Biosciences Libraries Section 2. The Health and Biosciences Libraries Section, and specifically its standing committee, recommends sites for each ICML. Before One Health, the MLA annual meeting and the ICML had been linked twice, both times in Washington, DC, in 1963 (2nd ICML) and 1995 (7th ICML). The 1963 and 1995 MLA/ICML meetings were conjoint meetings rather than the concurrent, federated meetings characterizing the Boston One Health meeting. Concurrent meetings of ICML, ICLC, and ICAHIS occurred for the first time in Brisbane, Australia, at the 10th ICML, 4th ICLC, and 6th ICAHIS 3. Publications that memorialize international health sciences library meeting content are included in journals such as the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA), Health Information and Libraries Journal, and other library science publications or in published proceedings, including past ICML published proceedings 4. ICLC has maintained links to papers from previous congresses on a website 5, and since 2009 has utilized the digital repository of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, following the 2009 concurrent meeting with ICML, ICLC, and ICAHIS 6. ICAHIS has used the institutional repository of Washington State University as the archive of its papers beginning in 1992 7 and, since 2009, has used the University of Queensland digital repository to archive past meeting content. Faced with an embarrassment of riches in the form of 190 papers presented at the One Health meeting and with the understanding that One Health papers related to ICML, ICLC, and ICAHIS programs would ultimately be published in the University of Queensland digital repository, MLA has chosen to publish four invited papers from the One Health meeting. “The Ethics of Scholarly Publishing: Exploring Differences in Plagiarism and Duplicate Publication across Nations” by Kathleen A. Amos, Susan Swogger, and Kathleen A. McGraw “Building Capacity in a Health Sciences Library to Support Global Health Projects” by Mellanye Lackey “Improving Medical Education in Kenya: An International Collaboration” by Alexa Mayo “Information Empowerment: Pre-Departure Resource Training for Students in Global Health” by Gurpreet K. Rana These papers are not intended to provide an overview of the One Health meeting, but to highlight some of the work and growing interest related to international librarianship and global health currently underway in North American health sciences libraries. Lackey's paper on capacity building in a health sciences library addresses the need to articulate a vision for the library in sync with an institutionally directed global vision and to create an organizational structure to facilitate success. Rana reports on pre-departure resource training for university students who are engaged in global health programs that are supported by the university. The paper underscores the importance of information skills training to the success of global missions. Amos's paper on the international incidence of retractions in fifty countries related to plagiarism and other reasons highlights the globalization of unethical publication practices. Mayo reports on an international partnership between a library in Kenya and the University of Maryland Health Sciences and Human Services Library, where the goal of improving the quality of medical education will have a major impact on health outcomes in Kenya.

Investigation and analysis on disaster site first aid skills of community healthcare workers

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the status on disaster site first aid skills of community healthcare workers at Hangzhou and to provide medical institution with a reference to train the disaster site first aid skills .Methods The researchers investigated 400 healthcare workers ’ disaster site first aid skills from 8 community health service centers .Results Totals of 373 questionnaires were returned with an effective rate of 93.5%.The average score of disaster site first aid skills of community healthcare workers was （3.83 ±0.28）.The score of using simple breathing bag was （4.33 ±0.70）.The score of performing CPR technique was （4.21 ±0.70）.Logistic regression analysis showed that the influencing factors of disaster site first aid skills were participation in disaster rescue and the male gender （P〈0.05）.100% of the community healthcare workers were interested in learning disaster site first aid skills .93.7% of the community healthcare workers expressed a strong willingness to learn relevant skills .Conclusions The overall level of the disaster site first aid skills of community healthcare workers is not good , but their learning intention are strong .It is necessary to strengthen the disaster site first aid skills training and to take various training programs which cover a wide range of contents , such as disaster rescue simulation exercises , scenario simulation test and participation in the site rescue.Meanwhile, continuing education opportunities should be actively provided to enhance the disaster site first aid skills of community healthcare workers . Key words: Community health care service; Disaster; Data collection; Healthcare professional; On-site first aid skills

The Incorporation of Predictive Genomic Testing into Genetic Counseling Programs

This study explored whether genetic counseling programs are incorporating instruction about the applications and techniques of predictive genomic testing (PGT) based on student recollection, and whether this is perceived as adequate by those students. For the purpose of this study, PGT was defined as the use of genome-based testing to assess a person's risk, or susceptibility, of developing a disorder with either a known or suspected genetic component. Surveys from 114 graduates were analyzed. The majority of respondents indicated that PGT was covered in their curriculum including methodology, information generated, benefits, risks, limitations, and impact on the field of genetic counseling. A statistically significant increase in incorporating information about PGT as a whole from 2008 to 2011 was also reported. The majority of respondents reported that coverage of PGT prepared them for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) board exam (80.6 %), to interpret PGT test results (60.2 %) and to identify clinical situations warranting testing (53.1 %). Although the majority of respondents indicated learning about a wide variety of aspects surrounding PGT, many recent graduates indicated their training was less likely to cover aspects essential for the clinical application of PGT. Therefore, genetic counseling programs should place a greater emphasis on these skills, and the development of continuing education opportunities aimed at increasing genetic counselors abilities to interpret and discuss PGT tests and identify clinical situations warranting such testing may be helpful.

CHES/MCHES Continuing Education opportunities

CHES/MCHES Continuing Education opportunities

Endodontist offer Continuing Education Opportunities and Establish Partnerships

In the midst of today's turbulent economy, the members of many local dental societies are being squeezed harder than ever before. The ongoing assault to the area has been well documented, from cuts to insurance benefits from current employers and retirees to the outward migration of many long-time residents.

Infant and Toddler Oral Health: Attitudes and Practice Behaviors of North Carolina Dental Hygienists

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, comfort, practice behaviors, and perceived barriers of dental hygienists in North Carolina regarding their delivery of oral health preventive services to infants and toddlers. A questionnaire was mailed to 2,000 dental hygienists randomly selected from the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners database. The response rate was 43 percent. The majority of the respondents were female and worked in private practice. Forty-two percent reported that they delivered preventive care to infants/toddlers (action stage of readiness). Of the 58 percent who reported not delivering care, two-thirds were contemplating caring for this population (contemplation stage), but only 10 percent of these were very likely to make changes in the next six months. Those with higher comfort levels and fewer perceived practice constraints were more likely to be in the action stage. Although these dental hygienists may be willing to consider providing care, they perceived a lack of continuing education opportunities, unfamiliarity with pediatric guidelines, and their current practice situation as significant barriers. Strategies to increase comfort and diminish practice constraints for North Carolina dental hygienists should be considered to improve access to oral health care for infants and toddlers. Teaching strategies in dental hygiene education that include both didactic and clinical experiences in treating infants and toddlers could be beneficial.

Nurse Practitioners' Knowledge, Experience, and Intention to Use Health Literacy Strategies in Clinical Practice

Nurse practitioners' (NPs) knowledge, experience, and intention to use health literacy strategies in practice were investigated using the Theory of Planned Behavior as the theoretical framework. NPs who work in outpatient settings were recruited at a national NP conference. Participants were administered 3 self-report instruments: Health Literacy Knowledge and Experience Survey, Parts I and II; and the Health Literacy Strategies Behavioral Intention Questionnaire. Overall knowledge of health literacy and health literacy strategies was found to be low. Screening patients for low health literacy and evaluating patient education materials were found to be areas of knowledge deficit. Most NP participants used written patient education materials with alternate formats for patient education, such as audiotapes, videotapes, or computer software rarely used. Statistically significant differences were found in mean experience scores between NP level of educational preparation and NP practice settings. The intention to use health literacy strategies in practice was found to be strong. The findings of this investigation offer implications for enhancing NP curriculum and for continuing education opportunities. Increasing NPs' knowledge of health literacy and facilitating the use of health literacy strategies has the potential to change clinical practice and support improved patient outcomes.

Case study learning: A woman-centred approach to curriculum development

vey clearly indicated the immediate need for ongoing support and provision of continued education opportunities for midwives of all experience levels caring for women with identified psychosocial risk factors. A short 7min DVD on ‘identifying lost opportunities, techniques and challenges when conduct the antenatal psychosocial asssesment’ has been developed locally to be used a teaching resource. The evaluations from the first one-day workshop were very positive with a high level of satisfaction. The post-workshop evaluation (4–6 weeks later) indicated that all respondents have applied strategies from the workshop in their work practices with an overall eg. The percentage of participants feeling confident in ‘Responding to a woman who answers ‘Yes’ to EDS question 10 (self harm/suicide)’ increased from 44% to 88%. Additional findings will be presented.

Continuity of care in pregnancy: Saving lives

Comparer l’efficacité diagnostique de l’angioscanner multibarrettes (angio-TDM) à celle de l’artériographie rénale dans la détection des sténoses de l’artère rénale de plus de 50 % en présence d’une suspicion d’hypertension rénovasculaire.De janvier 2005 à janvier 2010, nous avons entrepris une analyse rétrospective de 92 angio-TDM et artériographies rénales. Les artériographies rénales ont été lues par un radiologue interventionnel. Trois lecteurs indépendants (deux radiologues expérimentés et un technicien) ont coté en aveugle les angio-TDM selon trois approches différentes. Le lecteur no 1 a coté la sténose uniquement à partir des reconstructions MPR et MIP. Le lecteur no 2 (technicien) a utilisé uniquement le logiciel de segmentation artérielle automatique. Le lecteur no 3 a également utilisé ce logiciel mais en mesurant manuellement les diamètres.Sur les 92 patients évalués (235 artères rénales), l’artériographie a retrouvé 48 sténoses significatives. La sensibilité et la spécificité de l’angio-TDM et de l’artériographie rénale étaient respectivement, dans l’analyse par patient, pour le lecteur no 1 : (88 % ; 80 %) ; pour le lecteur no 2 : (58 % ; 80 %) ; pour le lecteur no 3 : (96 % ; 90 %) (p < 0,02).L’analyse des vaisseaux effectuée par le logiciel automatique puis corrigée par un radiologue confère aux examens d’angio-TDM une sensibilité/spécificité de 96 %/90 % dans la détection des sténoses de l’artère rénale de plus de 50 %.

Meeting the Continuing Education Needs of Rural Mental Health Providers

Historically, mental health clinicians at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) have not had the same access to continuing education (CE) as providers at VA medical centers. Mental health clinicians at CBOCs desire an opportunity for VA-sponsored CE, especially on topics and issues pertinent to rural mental healthcare. Since November 2011, VA CBOC mental health providers in 11 states have been offered a monthly live Web conferencing CE program. This article describes the program's development, implementation, and evaluation. Eleven CE programs have been offered to 397 unique participants. Participants have provided positive feedback about the topics and their impact on job performance. Most negative feedback has been related to technical and logistical problems with the Web conferencing platform. Although providers asked for reportable CE units for licensure, many did not complete the post-test, which is required to receive credit for completing the course. The Web conferencing format has been well received by participants. Despite technical issues, results show that the participants were satisfied with the content of the trainings and could apply the materials to their job. Although CE units were available, not all participants applied for credit. Efforts to improve technical support and the rate of post-test completion are discussed. Rural mental health providers often have limited access to training opportunities. The VA CBOC Mental Health Rounds, using an interactive Web conferencing platform, has been a successful modality for delivering CE to rural clinicians in the United States.

Pharmacists and maternal-fetal medicine: development of a tool to characterize knowledge and current clinical practice

Objective: To develop a knowledge assessment tool to assess baseline knowledge and current practice regarding maternal-fetal medicine.Methods: A literature search was complemented with categorization of questions under five predefined domains related to maternal-fetal medicine. The final questionnaire was sent for expert review, cultural adaptation, and piloting, with feedback incorporated accordingly.Results: A questionnaire was developed consisting of questions pertaining to demographics, knowledge, and current practice.Conclusions: This tool is of interest to researchers, educators, and clinicians aiming to assess baseline knowledge, current curricula (both entry-to-practice and graduate) and continuing education opportunities for practicing pharmacists.

A research capacity strengthening project for infectious diseases in Honduras: experience and lessons learned

BackgroundIn Honduras, research capacity strengthening (RCS) has not received sufficient attention, but an increase in research competencies would enable local scientists to advance knowledge and contribute to national priorities, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).ObjectiveThis project aimed at strengthening research capacity in infectious diseases in Honduras, focusing on the School of Microbiology of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). The primary objective was the creation of a research-based graduate program for the continued training of researchers. Parallel objectives included institutional strengthening and the facilitation of partnerships and networks.MethodsBased on a multi-stakeholder consultation, an RCS workplan was designed and undertaken from 2007 to 2012. Due to unexpected adverse circumstances, the first 2 years were heavily dedicated to implementing the project's flagship, an MSc program in infectious and zoonotic diseases (MEIZ). In addition, infrastructure improvements and demand-driven continuing education opportunities were facilitated; biosafety and research ethics knowledge and practices were enhanced, and networks fostering collaborative work were created or expanded.ResultsThe project coincided with the peak of UNAH's radical administrative reform and an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Challenges notwithstanding, in September 2009, MEIZ admitted the first cohort of students, all of whom undertook MDG-related projects graduating successfully by 2012. Importantly, MEIZ has been helpful in expanding the School of Microbiology's traditional etiology-based, disciplinary model to infectious disease teaching and research. By fulfilling its objectives, the project contributed to a stronger research culture upholding safety and ethical values at the university.ConclusionsThe resources and strategic vision afforded by the project enhanced UNAH's overall research capacity and its potential contribution to the MDGs. Furthermore, increased research activity and the ensuing improvement in performance indicators at the prime Honduran research institution invoke the need for a national research system in Honduras.

Professional Development Needs of Science and Technology Librarians: Results of the 2012 SLA/PAM Professional Development Committee Survey.

This article reports and analyzes the survey results on the continuing education needs of librarians with current job responsibilities in the science, technology, and engineering subject fields. The intended purpose of the survey results is to assist conference coordinators in the development of a continuing education program atfuture Special Libraries Association (SLA) conferences. This survey is a follow-up on the early studies conducted by committee members of various library associations and provides a perspective on the continuing education needs for science and technology librarians in the 21st century. Upon analysis, the authors learned that online tutorials and webinars, as well as face-to-face workshops at conferences, are the best preferred approaches for professional development. In addition, the analysis of the survey responses provided topics of interest for the continuing education opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]